Shawnee, Okla. -- The Mid-America Christian University Evangels wrapped up action at the St. Gregory's University Classic with a 77-73 victory over the Oklahoma Wesleyan University Eagles Saturday afternoon (Nov. 3) in Shawnee, Okla. 

The game was tight throughout, featuring 11 ties and 14 lead changes. 

The Evangels (2-0) trailed 32-31 at the half and were down 51-49 when freshman center Yuri Hager converted a three-point play that ignited a 12-3 spurt for a 61-54 lead with 7:28 remaining. 

It was 64-57 when the Eagles battled back with a three by Tanner James and two free throws from Tyler Woods to come within two at 64-62 at the 5:28 mark. 

The Evangels went back up by six on field goals by Charlie Shorter and Josh Minner and maintained a six-point edge after a bucket by Hager made it 73-67 with only 2:28 left. 

But OKWU wasn't through as baskets by Phil Jahn and Rodrick Ogletree trimmed the lead to just two with still 1:49 left.

After Hager split a pair at the line, Devin  Harris scored to bring the Eagles to within a point at 74-73 with 50 seconds left.

Hager then hit the biggest shot of the game off an assist from Camilo Valencia that gave the Evangels a three-point lead again at 76-73. 

But the Evangels still had to hang on as the Eagles secured two offensive rebounds on its next possession and had a chance to tie, but a three by Ogletree was off line with two seconds left and Valencia made one free throw to close it out. 

Shorter led all scorers with 28 points on 9-of-19 shooting and also had a game-high four steals.  Hager finished with 15 points and seven rebounds.  Angelo Lewis had another solid game of 17 points to go along with a team-high eight boards. 

Jahn led four Eagles in double-figures with 20 points, while Woods tallied 12 points and a game-high nine rebounds. 

The Evangels shot 45.6 percent (26-of-57) overall from the floor, including a blistering 50 percent (15-of-30) in the second half. 

MACU though had to overcome a 45-34 overall rebounding deficit and were also out-rebounded 17-7 on the offensive glass by the Eagles.

The Evangels will next host the College of the Ozarks for their home opener one week from today (Nov. 10) at 2 p.m. inside the Gaulke Activity Center.